The Learning Zone

We are entering one of the busiest times for our tutoring business; preparing students for the Spring SAT tests! One of the most frequent questions that I get asked during this time is: "When should my student take the SAT and how often should they take it?"

Here Is the Simple Answer:

Most students want to take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their Junior year.For this year, those test dates are March 8th, May 3rd, and June 7th.According to the College Board, (the people that produce the SAT), at least half of students take the SAT twice improving their score the second time around. The second time that most students take the test is in the Fall of their Senior year.

Students who are academically talented or in an advanced math track may want to consider taking the test for the first time, earlier or once they have finished Algebra II. Sometimes this will result in the best math score because nothing beyond Algebra II is tested on the SAT exam. Some students choose to take the SAT as early as 7th grade, as a part of the application process for programs at the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.

Although there is not a limit on how many times you should take the SAT, it is not a test you would take for fun. Students should thoroughly prepare for the first time they take the test so that hopefully they will only have to take it one time. Some students do choose to take the test a second time, to improve their score.

Some colleges take the highest score in each subtest of the SAT but not all colleges do this. Your student should check with the college that they plan to attend.

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About Nina

Nina Parrish graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Following graduation from the University of Mary Washington, she received the Project PISCES scholarship to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where she completed her certification in Special Education for K-12 students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional disturbance. After obtaining her license, Nina earned a Master's Degree in Education for School Counseling in grades Pre K-12 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Nina taught in the public schools in North Carolina and Virginia for 7 years. Nina currently owns, Parrish Learning Zone, a K-12 local tutoring service with her husband Jay, who is also a teacher. They live in Spotsylvania with their daughter.

Pouches' Community Corner

This month Pouches poked her head into an exciting new program for teens interested in law enforcement.

The long running Spotsylvania Sheriff’s cadet program has reorganized as a Boy Scout Explorer troop, said Sgt. Blackington, who took over the program in February 2017.